Summarised by Centrist
The ancient wisdom of the Mediterranean diet–combining a spoonful of honey and unsweetened yoghurt–may enhance its probiotic benefits according to modern research.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign had study participants provide stool samples, detail their bowel movements, and complete surveys and tasks to assess their mood, cognitive function, and general wellness.
They discovered that incorporating honey into yoghurt aids in the survival of beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacterium animalis, as they pass through the digestive tract, especially in the intestines.
Nutrition scientist Hannah Holscher said, “Pairing honey with yoghurt supported the survival of the yoghurt’s probiotic bacteria in the gut.” However, she cautions that moderation is key. Honey has benefits, but it is still an added sugar.
